Debate grows over when to publicize lifesaving research findings

Dr. Anne Willoughby had a dilemma. She is the director of a study begun in 1988 to see if infusions of immunoglobulin (IG) in children infected with the AIDS virus could boost their weak immune systems and help stave off illness. An independent panel that had been monitoring the investigation informed Willoughby early this month that children receiving monthly doses of IG, a protein produced by the body's cells, were faring significantly better than those given a placebo. The youngsters had fewer bacterial infections and fewer hospitalizations. News of the advance in treatment could have enormous consequences for up to 20,000...